School is around the corner for nearly every campus in Long Beach. That means it’s time to dust off those backpacks and take stock of what school supplies are needed. For anyone in need of a cost-free way to restock children for school, here’s a list of giveaway events coming up soon.
Saturday, Aug. 15 at 4600 Long Beach Blvd.
Councilmember Tunua Thrash-Ntuk will host her second annual backpack giveaway this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the tennis courts at Scherer Park in North Long Beach.
The event will include free children’s haircuts, free backpacks filled with school supplies, free food, a bounce house, various giveaways and raffles along with crafts and games.
Supplies will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, and children must be present to receive the giveaway.
Event organizers say there will be enough supplies to serve nearly 1,000 students.
You can register for the event here, but registration does not guarantee you will receive supplies.
Saturday, Aug. 15 at 1301 Pine Ave.
The Guidance Center in the Washington neighborhood will hand out free backpacks and school supplies this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its office on Pine Avenue.
Children must be present to claim backpacks.
There will also be calming activities to ease back-to-school anxiety, local organizations to connect families to community resources and vision board crafts to set goals for the new school year.
Attendees are encouraged to RSVP here.
Saturday, Aug. 15 at 3935 E. 10th St.
This outdoor, walk-up event will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday at Christ Chapel of Long Beach, located near Recreation Park. No registration is necessary, and there will be free school backpacks, free groceries and free clothing.
A child must be present to receive a backpack.
Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 953 North Park Circle Dr.
This Tuesday, Willmore City Community Association will hand out 200 free backpacks, shoes, books and insulated water bottles at The Bembridge House at Drake Park.
Tuesday’s event will also have free children’s haircuts, ice cream from Handel’s Ice Cream and sweet treats by The Pin-Up Kitchen.
Event organizers encourage all family members to come out to get connected with resources, learn about community services and experience live music along with activities for all ages.
Saturday, Aug. 22 at 2217 E. Sixth St.
Free backpacks, free school supplies and free snacks will be available at Long Beach Forward’s office on Saturday, Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There will also be free children’s haircuts and hair styling available, plus gift cards given out as raffle prizes.
The backpacks are for children ages 4-13 (TK-7th grade). You can find more information about the event here.
Saturday, Aug. 22 at 1321 East Anaheim St.
Tito Ortiz, better known as Hood Santa, will host a backpack and school supply giveaway on Saturday, Aug. 22 at MacArthur Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There will also be free toys and bombas socks, along with free children’s haircuts and makeup services.
Ortiz is aiming to give out 3,000 backpacks at the event. As of Thursday afternoon, he had raised $2,750 toward his $25,000 goal. You can donate to the campaign here.
He’s also accepting volunteers for the event. You can sign up to volunteer here.
Saturday, Aug. 22 at 1022 E. Market St.
The fifth annual Black Student Achievement Initiative Symposium will feature a backpack giveaway, complimentary lunch and information breakout sessions on Saturday, Aug. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lindbergh Middle School in North Long Beach.
Incoming Long Beach Unified School District Superintendent David Zaid is scheduled to attend as a guest speaker.
A shuttle service will be available from Jordan High School (6500 Atlantic Ave.) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Registration will take place from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., but anyone planning to attend is encouraged to register ahead of time here.
Lunch will only be provided for attendees who register in advance.